Coleraine boss Oran Kearney last night emerged as a surprise candidate for the St Mirren job as Ally McCoist threw his hat into the ring.

The Buddies are expected to interview Kearney in the next few days but he faces stiff competition with former Rangers boss McCoist also set to hold talks.

Coleraine chairman Colin McKendry wants to keep the 39-year-old but won’t stand in his way if he is offered the chance to succeed Jack Ross.

And he believes Kearney, who led Coleraine to their first trophy in 15 years by lifting the Irish Cup, would be a big hit.

Kearney is related to Kenny and Dean Shiels (Image: SNS)

McKendry said: “St Mirren approached me during the week and asked to speak to Oran. I gave them permission.

“I would love to keep him at Coleraine but this would be a big opportunity and we wouldn’t stand in his way. I have no doubt Oran would be a success in Scotland.”

Kearney has links with Scotland as he is the son-in-law of former Kilmarnock and Morton gaffer Kenny Shiels.

Brother-in-law Dean plays at Dunfermline and McKendry believes he could shine as a gaffer in Scotland like countrymen Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon, Stephen Robinson and Tommy Wright.

He said: “The game over there suits managers from our country. I know Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill rates Oran and spoke highly of him to St Mirren. He admires Oran’s planning and attention to detail.”

The likes of Robbie Neilson, Alan Stubbs, Gary Caldwell and even Real Madrid legend Guti have been linked with the Buddies job.

Ally McCoist wants the St Mirren job (Image: SNS)

McCoist is the latest big name in the frame. He has been out the game since being bagged by Rangers in 2014.

Speaking after playing in a charity match for St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie yesterday, he said: “There are arguably more suited people than me who have been mentioned but I would be interested.

“I know the guys who are running it. It’s my local team.

“I read somewhere I had unfinished business – I wouldn’t go that far but if something came up that suited both parties I’d consider it.”

McCoist led Rangers to the League Two and League One titles after dealing with the disasters of administration and liquidation in 2012. But he was put on gardening leave halfway through the 2014/15 season in the Championship.